Galata Greek School presents the 206 Rooms of Silence: Etudes on Prinkipo Greek Orphanage exhibition between 9th October – 10th November 2018. The exhibition contains artworks by Ali Kazma, Murat Germen, Dilek Winchester and Hera Büyüktaşcıyan based on Prinkipo Greek Orphanage that shed light on the history with verbal testimonies, documentary and visual documents to convey the presence of a school to another. The exhibition is curated by Hera Büyüktaşcıyan.

The exhibition focuses on Prinkipo Greek Orphanage which is considered as one of the “7 World Heritage in Danger” by Europa Nostra, a non-governmental organisation known by its work on protection of the cultural heritage. The exhibition opens a door to the reminiscence of this memory space which is the biggest wooden building in Europe, work of famous architect Alexandre Vallaury (1850-1921). The structure has witnessed many incidents from past to present, in a way has kept a record of social history. Although this majestic building seems to have been buried in silence with all its memories, it keeps reminding us what has been forgotten and what will soon disappear, standing tall on the hill it rests.

Another part of the project will include discussions, readings and workshops on the axis of cultural heritage, memory and orphanage: Various activities will be organised within the framework of the practices the Greek community has been exposed to, the legal status of the orphanage, philanthropy, orphanage experiences of other minority communities, along with the evacuation of the orphanage in 1964 and the transfer of children to another centre. Additionally, there will be film screenings and series of conversations as part of the Open School Library.